OPPOSITION FOCUS | Hampton & Richmond (A)
- Jemma Sear
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
The Key Info:
Founded: 1921
Nickname: The Beavers
Manager: Alan Julian
Stadium: Beveree Stadium
Capacity: 3,800
Hampton FC were formed in 1921 and was originally an amateur side made up of students from the nearby Hampton Grammar School. In 1973 the club became members of the Isthmian League, this marked their shift towards semi-professional football. The club changed its name in 1999 to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC, this was to strengthen links with the Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
The Beavers were promoted to the Conference South (known now as the National League South) in the 2007/08 season. In the following season, 2008/09, the side finished 2nd in the Conference South, their highest ever league position, and reached the play-off final, narrowly missing out on promotion to the National League. The club has also made memorable runs in the FA Cup, reaching the First Round Proper several times.
The Manager: Alan Julian
Alan Julian started his footballing career at youth level playing for Brentford FC. He went on to have a lengthy 20+ year career, playing for the likes of Stevenage Borough (where he was first-choice keeper and won the FA Trophy in 2007), Gillingham F.C. ( with which he achieved promotion through League Two play-offs in 2009) and towards the end of his playing career, Hampton and Richmond. He was known as a commanding goalkeeper making more than 600 senior appearances.
Julian retired from his playing career with Hampton & Richmond in the season of 2023-2024. He then moved into coaching with the club and in May 2024 he was appointed First Team Manager. So far he has managed 55 games in all competitions at the club, with the side finishing 18th in last year’s season of the National League South.
The Skipper: Alan Massey
Alan Massey is a steady, organised centre-back, known for his strong leadership skills. Previous to Hampton and Richmond he spent a big part of his career at Maidenhead United, making 384 appearances and serving as club captain for nine of his ten years there. Massey signed for the Beavers at the beginning of this season (2025/26) picking up the captains armband shortly after.
Last Five:
Loss - NLS - Hampton 0 - 1 Western-super Mare
Loss - Senior Cup - Rayners Lane 4 - 1 Hampton
Loss - FA Cup - Hampton 0 - 2 Eastleigh
Loss - NLS - Hampton 2 - 3 Slough
Win - FA Cup - Merthyr Town 0 - 1 Hampton
Recent Form:
The Beavers currently sit at 10th in the table with 11 league games played, 4 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses. A mixed bag of results for the side but with 18 goals scored, there is no denying that this team knows where the back of the net is.
Ones to Watch:
Name: James Holden
Joined: Aug 2025
Position: Goalkeeper
A familiar name to many Tudor fans, James Holden developed in the youth systems of Bury and then Reading. He signed professional terms with Reading and had multiple loan spells, including at Maidenhead United and others in non-league football. Last season we saw Holden join us at the Focus for a short spell, he then moved to Aveley before signing for The Beavers for the 2025/26 season. Holden is known for his reliability between the sticks, a proven shot stopper in the league.
Name: Sam Deadfield
Joined: Aug 2025
Position: Midfielder
Sam Deadfield started his career as a youth player for Reading and then Birmingham City. During his time at Birmingham, he reached the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals. Well known in the National League South, Deadfield is currently on his third stint with Hampton and Richmond, a fan favourite at the Beveree. He is known for his work rate, vision, and ability to break up opposition attacks while contributing to offensive plays.
Name: Davide Rodari
Joined: Aug 2025
Position: Centre-Forward
Davide Rodari is known for his clinical finishing, movement off the ball, and ability to score from various situations. He started his youth career in Italy with clubs such as Inter Milan, Novara, Pro Vercelli and Lugano. Rodari has had a successful senior career playing a bulk of it for Hastings United, scoring 72 goals over his two spells with the club. With loans to National League South sides such as Dorking and Worthing, Rodari’s skill and experience attracted the attention of Hampton and Richmond with them snapping him up at the beginning of this season.
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